Craving crispy chicken wings without the guilt of deep-frying? These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are your perfect solution! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have golden-brown, perfectly seasoned wings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you prefer buffalo, BBQ, or garlic parmesan, this recipe is easy to customize and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (for flavor and color)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Your favorite sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, or garlic parmesan)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures crispy wings.
- Prep the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You might need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the Chicken Wings: Air fry the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. Adjust time based on the size of the wings and your air fryer model.
- Toss in Sauce: Once cooked, toss the wings in your favorite sauce. For a classic, coat them in buffalo sauce, BBQ, or garlic parmesan.
- Serve: Serve with celery, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings:
- Pat wings dry before seasoning to remove moisture. This helps make them extra crispy.
- For extra crispy wings, air fry for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F.
- Toss wings in sauce after cooking to prevent the sauce from burning in the air fryer.
Flavor Variations:
- Buffalo Wings: Toss in a mixture of 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) and 2 tbsp melted butter.
- BBQ Wings: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, and brush it on after cooking.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: Toss wings with melted butter, grated parmesan, and minced garlic after cooking.
Nutritional Info (Per serving, without sauce):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 13g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How long do you cook chicken wings in an air fryer?
- Cook chicken wings for 20-25 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway for even cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken wings in the air fryer?
- Yes, but increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes. Be sure to shake or flip the wings halfway through for even crispiness.
Do I need to use oil for air fryer wings?
- A small amount of oil or cooking spray helps achieve crispy wings. If you want to go oil-free, the air fryer will still crisp them up, but they may be slightly less golden.
How do I make crispy air fryer wings without breading?
- The key is to pat the wings dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Chicken Wings?
Air frying gives you the crispy texture of fried wings without the excess oil. The hot air circulation mimics deep frying, ensuring your wings are crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Plus, they cook faster than in a traditional oven, making it a quick and healthier option for busy weeknights or game day parties!